Professionalism, Innovative Culture in Universities and their Contribution to the National Development- An Intellectual Property Law Perspective

Abstract

It is evident that national development of a country and its economic development have a close relationship. Undoubtedly, economic development is an essential aspect of broader notion of national development. Innovations and inventions of a country play significant role in enhancing economic development. These innovations and inventions, in a broader sense, include organized knowledge in creating new technological products, manufactures and services, industries, businesses, software and digital industries such as cinemas. Simply said, these are areas covered by legal regime of intellectual property and information communication technology. Further, a joint venture of both state and private sector for enhancement of knowledge culture would ensure viable and more stable development of a country. It is therefore evident that professionalism is an integral role in national development and intellectual property law plays a vital role in incentivizing and protecting professionalism in a country. This research attempts to analyze issue as to why contribution of university researchers/intellectuals to enhancement of inventions and innovations of country has not been effectively inculcated to country���??s economic development. Research analyzes existing legal hindrances affecting professionals to contribute services effectively in intellectual property law perspective by evaluating some IP law concepts i.e. employer -employee relationship, ownership concept and joint ownership of inventors. It discusses adequacy of existing laws and their pitfalls by recognizing importance of introducing new laws. Study is mainly desk-based research which analyzes relevant Conventions, Acts and regulations while having deep look at experiences of other selected jurisdictions. In addition, researcher used some data of local higher educational institutions with respect to their experiences on commercializing their inventions. Research concludes that contribution of university sector through commercializing their innovations is an important aspect in inculcating professionalism in national development and recommends that some intellectual property aspects such as joint ownership and co-ownership should be given more recognition and clarification while emphasizing on proper implementation and enforcement of relevant laws. Keywords- innovations, intellectual property, professionalism